Collateral damage in disaster workers

Disaster workers are not immune to the negative personal and professional effects of their services at a disaster. For the purposes of this article, the intra and interpersonal disturbances that arise from disaster work are called "collateral damage. " The harmful effects may range from, among other reactions, feelings of disappointment, confusion, resentment, anger; and lack of appreciation to the more serious reactions such as anxiety attacks, severe social withdrawal, substance abuse, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder This article reviews some of the causative factors of personal distress and disruptions to teamwork in disaster relief operations. It suggests a variety of practical methods to reduce the potential of collateral damage among disaster response personnel.